Self-styled crypto king never invested clients' money, Crown's accountant tells Toronto trial

The case

Aiden Pleterski is charged with fraud and money laundering over events in the early 2020s. The Crown alleges he spent investors' money on a lavish lifestyle and his debts, and none of the allegations has been proven.

Collected from investors, 2020 to 2022

36.3 million $

Albert Ciorma, a forensic accountant with the Ontario Securities Commission, testified that Pleterski collected $36,322,116.17 from investors, and that none of it came from the trading firm FXChoice, where investors thought their money was placed.

Spending shown in court

• Luxury cars: $5,625,458.88
• Private jet trips: $870,000
• Security systems: $498,206

Bank records shown in court list luxury cars worth about $5.6 million, $870,000 in private jet travel and $498,206 in security systems.

Ciorma said Pleterski did put $113,000 into trading platforms but got back only $4,000. He also said he never saw the $311 million balance Pleterski had claimed.